Tara (Taylor) Hartman grew up in Sunapee back in the Village School days on Lower Main Street. ❤️ She was deeply involved in school and the community, playing varsity volleyball, holding her own on the high school ski racing team, and embracing everything small-town life had to offer.

 

After graduating from Bentley University, Tara thought her future would lead anywhere but a small town…but life had other plans. ✨

 

In 2007, Tara followed her sister to Northern Virginia shortly after her niece was born. Chris, an Iowa native through and through 🌽, eventually found his way East after spending time working as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan in 2010 before returning to Northern Virginia to continue working for the government. Somewhere along the way, the two apparently swiped right at the same time ✨ and the Hartmans officially put down roots in Iowa in 2017.

 

Fast forward another decade, the Hartmans had built a full and busy life including a 17-year-old daughter, two young kiddos, two lovable labs, and a growing desire to raise their children in this special community. The family ultimately made the move back to New Hampshire to care for family and reconnect with the place Tara grew up loving and a place Iowa family is excited to visit. ❤️

 

“The Barn” was purchased from Ron & Barbara Sullivan, making the journey feel especially full circle. Tara worked for Barbara at Wild Goose Country Store throughout high school and college and spent summer mornings dusting at Prospect Hill Antiques (at "The Barn") before her shifts in Sunapee Harbor. Legend has it if you spray Pledge directly on the carpets, your “dusting” skills are elevated a few levels. 😉

 

Of course, none of this would be possible without Chris, forensic scientist by trade, DIY-er by nature, and the kind of guy who can fix just about anything. 🔨 (Somewhere along the way, he may have been swayed into moving to New Hampshire after falling under the spell of the mountains & lakes in this beautiful region). Around here, every dream project needs a Handy Hartman Husband.

 

Together, the Hartmans are excited to thoughtfully reimagine this special property while honoring its history and community roots. ❤️ Today, The Barn at Sunapee represents both history and possibility, a place rooted in community, creativity, and connection, with exciting new chapters still to come.